Don't "Book 'em" just yet Danno. DreamWorks no longer
exclusive ‘Five-0’ bidderBy Tim Ryan
tryan@starbulletin.comFollowing a week of discussions between DreamWorks and the producer and rights controller for "Hawaii Five: The Movie," the studio has been dropped as the exclusive negotiator for the long-awaited film.
According to producer George Litto, DreamWorks was unwilling to meet a deal point that would have given Litto and his heirs control over "Five-O" that would be similar to the way producer Cubby Broccoli's family controls the James Bond franchise.
"Other things are important as well, like how the sequels are made, the creative elements, who will be in the picture ... all essential elements to me and Mrs. (Rose) Freeman," Litto said. Freeman is the widow of "Five-0" creator Leonard Freeman. Litto represented Leonard Freeman and then his estate when he died in 1973.
At least four other studios are bidding for the film, said Litto, who hopes to select the winning bid within a week.
"We don't just want the money, we want to make a very good picture," he said. "But we think a very good movie will make a lot of money.
Litto expects filming to begin in Hawaii next year, depending on the lead actor's availability. Pre-production could begin as soon as this summer. No actor has been selected to portray Jack Lord's Steve McGarrett.
Click for online
calendars and events.
